Did you know that poor pipework design is the main cause of pressure drops in compressed air systems? It forces your compressor to work harder, drives up energy bills, and reduces tool performance.
Anglian Compressors designs and installs efficient pipework systems across East Anglia and the Midlands. We help you cut costs, stabilise pressure, and ensure your facility stays compliant with UK safety regulations.
Why is pipework design critical for efficiency?
Bad pipework kills efficiency. If your pipes are undersized or the layout creates turbulence, you lose pressure before the air even reaches the tool.
Every 1 bar of pressure drop adds roughly 7% to your electricity cost. A professional installation prevents this loss, which keeps pressure stable during peak demand and protects your machinery from contamination.
Our designs focus on flow dynamics. We ensure you get the air power you pay for. Read more in our Guide to Compressed Air Piping Systems.
What is the best material for air compressor pipework?
Modular aluminium is the best choice for most industrial factories. It cuts installation time, saves energy, and never rusts.
Why Is Aluminium (Atlas Copco AIRnet) The Preferred Material?
Aluminium is the industry standard because it offers a smooth bore with low friction. This allows air to flow faster with less resistance. We use the Atlas Copco AIRnet system to deliver a leak-free, energy-saving network.
Benefits of AIRnet
- Cuts Energy Costs: The low friction coefficient means your compressor runs at a lower set-point.
- Leak-Free: Push-fit connectors with double O-ring seals (NBR or Viton) prevent air loss.
- High Performance: Rated for 16 bar pressure and temperatures from -20°C to +80°C.
- Guaranteed: Backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
- Fast Install: Modular design means no welding, no threading, and less downtime for your business.
When Should Stainless Steel Be Used?
Use stainless steel for hygiene-critical environments. Sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and medical manufacturing require this to meet ISO purity standards. It offers the same flow benefits as aluminium but resists aggressive cleaning agents.
Why Avoid Galvanised Steel?
Galvanised steel rusts. Over time, the internal coating degrades and flakes off. This rust scale blocks filters, damages pneumatic tools, and restricts airflow. The rough surface also creates friction, which increases your energy bills.
Is PVC Pipe Safe For Compressed Air?
Never use standard PVC or ABS plastic. These materials are dangerous. Under compressed air pressure, they become brittle and can shatter explosively, sending sharp shrapnel into the workspace. Only use engineered thermoplastics specifically rated for compressed air.
How should the pipework system be designed?
Install a closed-loop "Ring Main" configuration for the best performance.
Should You Use A Ring Main Or Dead Leg Layout?
A ring main cuts pressure drop in half. It allows air to flow to any point of use from two directions. This balances the flow and keeps pressure stable, even when multiple tools run at once.
A dead leg (straight line) creates a "starve" point at the end of the line. The furthest tool suffers from low pressure, which ruins production consistency.
How Do You Prevent Moisture Damage?
Slope the pipes and trap the water. Moisture is a natural byproduct of compression, but it damages tools if it stays in the pipe.
- Slope: Install horizontal pipes with a 1:100 gradient sloping towards a drain.
- Swan Necks: Take branch lines from the top of the main pipe. This prevents water from running down into your equipment.
- Drip Legs: Extend vertical drops past the connection point to a drain valve. This traps condensate so you can remove it.
For more on how water and friction impact your bills, read our guide on Pressure Drop in Compressed Air Systems.
What is the installation process?
We follow a strict engineering protocol. This ensures your system is safe, compliant, and built for speed.
1. Survey and Plan
Our engineers survey your site using CAD software. We calculate the correct pipe diameter to keep air velocity between 6 and 10 m/s. This prevents turbulence and ensures the system can handle future expansion.
2. Prepare and Cut
Technicians cut pipes square and deburr the edges. This step is critical. A sharp edge can damage the O-ring inside the AIRnet fitting, causing leaks later. We mark the insertion depth to prove the pipe is fully seated.
3. Support and Fix
We bracket pipes to prevent sagging. Sagging pipes create water traps that block airflow. We also install flexible hoses at the compressor discharge to stop vibration from cracking the pipework.
4. Test Safely
We prefer hydrostatic (water) testing. It verifies the system is leak-tight without the safety risks of stored pneumatic energy. If air testing is required, we establish strict safety zones.
See our full range of Air Compressor Installation services.
What are the compliance requirements in the UK?
Unsafe systems put your staff at risk and void your insurance. Installing pipework involves strict legal duties under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
Your Obligations:
- PSSR 2000: If the pressure is above 0.5 bar, the regulations apply. You, as the Duty Holder, must ensure the system is safe.
- Written Scheme of Examination (WSE): If the system qualifies, you need a WSE drawn up by a Competent Person. This document dictates safety inspections. Pipework is often included if its failure could cause danger.
- PUWER: The system must be suitable for its intended use and properly maintained.
We ensure your installation meets all these standards, alongside BCAS Best Practice guides (BPG 101-103).
Why choose Anglian Compressors?
We are Atlas Copco experts with over 45 years of experience. We serve businesses across East Anglia and the Midlands, including Peterborough, Cambridge, Northampton, Leicester, Lincoln, Norwich, Ipswich, and Milton Keynes.
- Turnkey Service: We handle design, installation, and WSE certification.
- Energy Focused: We start with Air Audits to find savings before we build.
- Long-Term Support: We offer leak detection services to keep your system efficient for years to come.
Stop wasting energy on bad pipework.
Contact Anglian Compressors today for a free site survey. Our engineers will design a compliant, low-loss system that cuts your operating costs.